Reducing flooding problems - work about to begin on State Highway 63 Renwick culvert replacement

Plans to replace a culvert on State Highway 63 won’t proceed as planned later this month.

13 November update

Plans to replace a culvert on State Highway 63 won’t proceed as planned later this month.

We are working with the Marlborough District Council to ensure our planned works are better aligned. It is about making certain projects are done as efficiently as possible, and ensuring disruption for road users and residents is kept to an absolute minimum.

Work at the site will now be carried out in the first half of 2024. Precise dates will be shared with the community when they are finalised.

Waka Kotahi apologises for any confusion caused.

2 November update

Work begins in Renwick soon to install a new culvert on State Highway 63 between Alma Street and Inkerman Street.

From 7 am on Monday, 20 November, until 5 pm on Friday, 24 November, this section of highway will be closed while this work is carried out. Road users will need to follow a short, marked detour.

Rob Service, System Manager Top of the South, says many local residents and drivers want to see this part of State Highway 63 improved.  

“The site is prone to flooding, which often causes the road to close. The new culvert will better handle water flow, improve drainage, and reduce the impact of flooding in future.”

Contractors must dig a two-metre-deep trench and put trench guards in place before the new culvert is installed.

Mr Service says because it is a relatively narrow section of the highway, with limited space for heavy machinery, a full closure is needed to ensure the project can be completed as quickly and safely as possible.

“We know it will be inconvenient for some road users, but it’s a case of short-term pain for long-term gain. Reducing flooding issues means fewer road closures and fewer hassles for drivers in the future.”

“This is important work, and we want to thank residents and road users for their patience and cooperation while it is done,” Mr Service says.

Works schedule and detour information:

• 7 am on Monday, 20 November to 5 pm on Friday, 24 November (24/7 - day and night).
• State Highway 63 closed between the intersections of Alma Street and Inkerman Street.

For heavy vehicles:

• When travelling on SH63 from Wairau Valley towards Renwick: turn off at Anglesea Street and onto SH6 through Renwick.
• When travelling from Blenheim continue on SH6 following detour signs onto Anglesea Street then turn right onto SH63.

For light vehicles (not suitable for heavy vehicles):

• The detour will be via Inkerman Street, Clyde Street and Alma Street (or in reverse depending on your direction of travel).

Renwick road closure map